Ralph Junior (Young) Creager

Ralph J. Creager

Ralph Junior Creager, 100, Liberty Center OH, passed peacefully in his sleep on August 14, 2024 in his home with his family. He would always state with pride he lived in the same house for 70 years.

Ralph was born to Ralph Earl Young and Ruby Ethel Benskin on January 10, 1924 at his paternal grandparents' home in Washington Township, Henry County, OH. His father died in 1923 prior to Ralph's birth. He was raised lovingly by his mother and stepfather Fred Ralph Creager. Upon graduating from Liberty Center School in 1941 his stepfather adopted him and Ralph changed his surname from Young to Creager.

Ralph attended Case School of Applied Science, now known as Case Western Reserve University. While in college he met Margaret Jean Lance, a co-ed at neighboring Flora Stone Mather College. He graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1944. Ralph was immediately inducted into the US Army (WWII) and began officer's training. During a brief leave from the Army he married Margaret Jean Lance on June 23, 1945 in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights, OH. Ralph served in Japan as an officer in the Counter Intelligence Corp.

Upon Ralph's honorable discharge he and Jean moved back to Liberty Center. He joined the family road construction company (Fred R. Creager & Sons) based in Liberty Center, building many local and multi-county roads. He and his brother Bruce became owners of the company with their father. Later Ralph and Bruce acquired Liberty Center Lumber and built 14 houses and multiple facilities.

Ralph's interests were varied. Many of his activities revolved around service to his community. He was a member of Boy Scouts of America, Ohio Epsilon-Phi Kappa Psi (1942), an attendee of Buckeye Boys State, a 79 year member of L.C. 518 F.&.A.M.(Free and Accepted Masons), Napoleon 2566 F.&.A.M., Haley Chapter 136 R.A.M. (Royal Arch Masons), Valley of Toledo A.A.S.R. (Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite), Henry County A.A.S.R. Club, HI-12 Club, Charter Member Henry County Sportsmen's Club, Secretary Liberty Center Industrial Development, Henry County Hospice Secretary for 16 years, S.P.E.B.S.Q.S. in America (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc.), Napoleon Post 300 American Legion, Liberty Center Post 6596 VFW.

Ralph's spiritual faith was very important to him. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, Napoleon, OH. For many years he served as lay reader, senior warden, and secretary.

Ralph was very proud of his ancestry and his ties to the community. He was a resident his entire life. His great-great grandfather C.C. Young was one of the founders of the village and built the first train depot. Ralph helped write a historical summary of the town for a celebration. He was often considered an invaluable source for local history due to his long life and excellent memory.

He is survived by daughters Cheryl Lynn Houghtby, Bradenton FL; Mary Beth Slee (Dr. Xavier Flores), Fuquay-Varina NC; Julie Amelia Creager (William Holdsworth), Liberty Center OH; grandchildren Charles Thomas Houghtby IV, Adrian MI; Eric Eugene Slee (Alisa Schlesinger), Los Angeles CA; Erin Elizabeth Bonasso (Samuel Jr.), Holly Springs NC; Tate Creager Slee (Dr. Evelyn), Fuquay-Varina NC; Ralph Jameson Holdsworth, Detroit MI. Great- grandchildren include Briana Lamont (Dakota Williams); Hailey Lamont; Emmett and Hudson Schlesinger; Eleanor, Emilia, and Samuel Bonasso III; Brody Slee-Godar and Jack Slee. Great-great grandchildren Wyatt Hilyard and Sophia Cox; 3 generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Margaret Jean (Lance) Creager; fathers Ralph Earl Young and Fred Ralph Creager; mother Ruby Ethel Creager; brother Bruce Fredrick Creager; mother-in-law Margaret Wrigley Lance; father-in-law George Stanley Lance; and son-in-law Charles Thomas Houghtby III.

Visitation will be held at Hanneman Family Funeral Home, Liberty Center OH on Monday, August 26, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm followed by a Masonic Service.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 27 at 10:00 am. Military service and interment will be held at Youngs Cemetery, Liberty Center OH immediately following the funeral.

Memorials may be given in remembrance of Ralph to Friends of Liberty Center Public Library or Liberty Center Masonic Lodge #518.

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